Andy Andrews / Inspirational Speaker and Author

TV or Not TV ... That is the Question!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

How much television do you watch? The A.C. Nielsen Company recently reported that 95% of Americans get a strong dose of television every day. The average adult watches a bit more than 34 hours per week; the average child between the ages of two and five watches 3.5 hours per day; and the average adult over fifty-five watches more than 6 hours of television every single day!

But I'm not average, you might say... That's probably true. Okay then, forget "how much you watch"—let's talk about what you watch.

Except for a solid season of being hooked on American Idol (Taylor Hick's grandmother lives down the street...), I have not gotten into "reality television". And I've got to tell you, it's gotten way past the irritation stage with me.

Now understand, I am not talking about "non-fiction" shows like Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch or our favorite, Dirtiest Jobs. (Mike Rowe is awesome.) I am referring to the programs where the idea seems to be "lets just turn on the camera and see what happens ... and if something doesn't happen, poke it with a stick until something does". At what point did a television executive decide to lock some people in a house until they got crazy enough to start screaming at each other? And at what point did we as a society determine, "Yeah, that's worth watching." (Isn't this what the Romans did with animals?)

In any case, this month, reality television has taken a serious downturn. Not possible, you say? Just wait. NBC has now brought us Baby Borrowers. Described as a "groundbreaking experiment", five real live babies are given to five teenaged couples to "care for" ... and we get to see what happens! Of course, anyone who has ever seen a reality show is aware that these ten teens were chosen and paired up in order to exhibit as much dysfunctional behavior as possible ... and all for our viewing pleasure. Wonderful.

But wait. Consider this ... Who (please God, tell me who) are the parents allowing their infants to be used in this manner? How many ways can you imagine that this could go wrong for the babies???

Okay. Take a breath.

BIG CHANGE OF DIRECTION HERE ...

Most evenings, in our house, we CHOOSE what we watch. We also CHOOSE the time we watch it. No scrambling through dinner ... no stealing glances at the clock while someone is talking. When we realized that enough seasons of programs we loved were on DVD to last us a lifetime, our CHOICES went way up. And to our boys, it's all "first run" programming!

You will have your own ideas about what to watch, of course, but Polly and I are fond of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Odd Couple, both Bob Newhart series, Get Smart (the boys and I love it; Polly thinks it's silly), and the greatest show in the history of television: The Andy Griffith Show. Audaciously assuming you would like a place to begin, may I offer our top ten episodes ...

Citizen's Arrest (Fourth season)
The Pickle Story (Second season)
Haunted House (Fourth season)
Man In A Hurry (Third season)
Barney and the Choir (Second season)
The Lucky Letter (Fifth season)
Goober and the Art of Love (Fifth season)
Opie's Hobo Friend (Second season)
Man in the Middle (Fifth season)
Dogs, Dogs, Dogs (Third season)

So ... most evenings we do watch some television. But we control the content, the commercials, the time, and the conversation. That having been said, I am aware that there are people who will roll their eyes and say that my family does not live in the real world.

And that's exactly how we like it.

Andy Andrews

P.S. Check this out: http://www.mayberry.com/

Posted in General | Make a Comment (48) |

1. Lois - July 23, 2008 @ 7:26 PM

"Hi Andy,
I don't think there is anything on TV that compares with the old shows. At least I haven't found it.
I watch very little TV but it is HGTV when I do.
I like youtube and surfing the web better then TV anymore.
Regards,
Lois"

2. Lynette Chartier - July 23, 2008 @ 7:40 PM

"Hello Andy,

I for one would recommend people go a step further... and actually embark on a media fast, for one month. That's right, no T.V. no newspaper and so on.

Folks would be totally surprised at how their mood changes, their time is freed up and they can actually start thinking about taking that first step or two towards their goals and dreams.

After a month, take time to reflect and see what difference it has made in your life.

Until next time, have yourself a great rest of the week!

Lynette Chartier
http://www.thepowerisinyourhands.com"

3. Charlie Profit - July 23, 2008 @ 7:42 PM

"Hi Andy,

My kids, (10, 9, 4, 1.5) are growing up on some of the classics too! We love the Andy Griffith Show!

I think it's more about educating others that these shows still exist! And showing people that a little effort to make good choices goes a long way.

Thanks for all you do Andy! Looking forward to another interview with you someday soon.

Charlie Profit"

4. Laneisa Veronick - July 23, 2008 @ 7:43 PM

"Andy,I think your right on.I agree with you.I rent dove approved movies or fox faith movies for my family, but just recently recorded giget my 13 year old loved. I will try out some of your other shows you suggested. are you ordering at your local video store or using net flixs"

5. Evelyn Yauk - July 23, 2008 @ 7:43 PM

"I watch quite a bit. I really like America's Got Talent. And some of the game shows. But I do still watch some of the old shows like Andy Griffith, Golden Girls, etc. Still watch my favorite soaps that I have watched for 30-50 years. I do not like a lot of the reality shows. Do like Donald Trump's show. They do not make the shows that they used to. Evelyn Yauk"

6. gg&mg - July 23, 2008 @ 7:58 PM

"You got it right about Andy and Opie!And Barney--can't forget him. How many times do you want to yell "Citizen's arrest!" What good TV that was and still is. Not into reality shows at all. But you forgot to add Mythbusters to your list of 'must see' shows!! Love Jamie and Adam.
gg"

7. Marianne - July 23, 2008 @ 8:00 PM

"I'm with you Andy, let people say we aren't living in the real world.
I would rather live in a fake world of old shows, where there is no dysfunction and offensive material than pollute my mind and home with the garbage that today's TV execs, call "Entertainment". They can keep it!"

8. Renee Badertscher - July 23, 2008 @ 8:15 PM

"It sounds like your family makes conscious decisions about what and how much TV you watch. I wish it was so with everyone. For many it's just "wallpaper", especially in waiting rooms or other public places, as well as people's homes I enter in the course of my work. The assumption is made that everyone MUST want the TV on. I thought the air waves were supposed to belong to "the people". So who is watching all those ridiculous, insulting, and even dangerous actions going on on "our" airwaves. I stopped watching commercial television as a teen-ager (45 years ago!) when I was tired of the commercials insulting my intelligence and the sponsors trying to manipulate my thinking to buy their products, whether I needed them or not. I know I am not typical, but I when I watch TV it is PBS. I probably average about 6 hours a WEEK. There are too many other interesting things to do that I just can't squeeze in any more time in front of the tube. And I, like your family, review the PBS guide I recieve--because I CONTRIBUTE to PBS--and make decisions about what I want to watch. I think what is happening on the airwaves is a travesty, a waste of a valuable resource. But, as I said, I know I'm a minority and so I just continue to make my own choices--and enjoy the choices I make.
Renee"

9. Dianne Lane - July 23, 2008 @ 8:20 PM

"Andy, both my boys were outside too much to watch television. When they did they watched programs like Mayberry and Gun Smoke. After they grew up they watched Lonesome Dove so many times that they could say the lines. I am glad to know that some families are reading, building forts outside, and finding out what nature has to offer.(They are big fishermen). Television will be the demise of our society! I have so enjoyed your comments by email. I forward them to my boys (now grown men)."

10. Eddy Belew - July 23, 2008 @ 8:53 PM

"Andy you are raising your children right! But how do some of us "older parent" (I'm 57 with a 16 year old) tell our kids that those "older" shows are good and healthy?

There's a lot of competition out there for this generation, and I find myself having to be educated in "their ways" to compete.

Please keep up the GREAT work...

Eddy"

11. Frances - July 23, 2008 @ 9:02 PM

"Andy,
I agree - the whole reality thing has gotten out of hand. The only reality type show I watch is Dancing with the Stars - I've always dreamed of dancing like that! I teach high school and my students will talk about something they've seen on cable tv and ask if I've seen it. I just look at them and say - you forget - I'm a poor teacher - can't afford cable - they laugh and say how can you live - my response is I prefer to spend my money on other things - usually there is nothing but junk on tv anyway. I'm at my Mom & Dad's this week and they do have cable - Dad's in his room watching one of those Mayberry episodes - and Mom and I just finished watching the movie Wild Hogs my sister lent us - and now I'm on the computer - so much for cable tv.
Frances"

12. Dave - July 23, 2008 @ 9:10 PM

"I'm with you brother, although i have to admit we do watch some new TV shows, but Margie and I agree there is no better show on TV than "Andy Griffith" and even though I haven't talked to my college roommate in a couple of years, I gurantee you he gets a good dose of Andy and Barney and the gang on a regular basis. We never missed it at Auburn. What else were we going to do, milk cows? Why do you think people look at me funny when I tell them that one of my heroes is Ernest T Bass?"

13. Sally Triolo - July 23, 2008 @ 9:34 PM

"You're so right. I don't understand how anyone can watch most of the stuff on TV. I find much of it insulting to say the least. My most favorite show is Jeopardy. At least you learn something from it. I did get hooked on "Lost" because it was just so hard to figure out. But, the reality shows, one word-Yuck. I prefer Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie mysteries or British sitcoms on PBS or I'll go read a good book."

14. Alice - July 23, 2008 @ 9:40 PM

"We watch a few TV shows, but we never watch television. That's what VCRs and TIVO are for. You record/tape what you want, and watch it when it fits in *your* schedule. And speed through commercials. No program is good enough to be worth sitting through commercials for! How's about The Andy *Andrews* Show, now there's something worthwhile!!"

15. Chris - July 23, 2008 @ 10:05 PM

"With the Tour de France on, I have been watching WAY too much TV for the past two weeks.

But Tivo has radically changed the way we watch TV. But both of my sons (19 and 8) have Discovery, History, and FoodTV as some of their favorites and I can live with that!"

16. LEE - July 23, 2008 @ 10:06 PM

"The Andy show is my all time fav too. My family and I met most of the cast years ago and that was the most fun. They were all so down to earth and friendly.

Don Knott's favorite episode is THE PICKLE STORY"

17. Bryan - July 23, 2008 @ 10:28 PM

"Andy,

That's so funny that your blog described our same values to a "T". We home school our children and we monitor what they watch, which is usually very little on regular TV. Over the past year we've recently discovered those same great DVD's you mentioned. It's great that we can let the kids watch them and not worry about inappropriate content, however we really enjoy watching them as a family!

The only way the networks will stop putting out that garbage, is when everyone stops watching it. The "Real World" is what you make of it, for yourself, and your family!

Keep on blogging,

Bryan"

18. Jeanne - July 23, 2008 @ 10:45 PM

"Way too coincidental! We actually just removed our TV's yesterday (with the exception of one with a passcode on it - the others were too old and didn't have that option). That way we can better control it. We have DVD's and one our kids are watching right now is Popular Mechanics for Kids - a great series (it went off the air but DVD's are available). Also, we enjoy Bill Nye the Science Guy! You can find his DVD's on Disney.com. Dirty Jobs is a favorite in our house too as well as Myth Busters. We love the oldies too like Lassie. It's hard but we parents have to take control now and be vigilant about what our kids are allowed to watch at other kid's homes as well. Especially on "sleepovers" which we've also recently cancelled. It's not okay for kids to "stay up all night" and watch "whatever" is on TV. That recently happened to us on a birthday sleepover and what our son saw was simply not okay. Great job on the TV Blog!"

19. Dixie - July 23, 2008 @ 11:07 PM

"Watching tv has gotten better for our family...has there isn't anything good on the tube anyway. I try very hard not to get hook on any of those reality shows and we do not have cable or a Dish. What you say, I am out of touch. Maybe I am, but we figured at one time, we did watch too much tv...come home, eat dinner in front of the tv and before we knew it, we were waking up just to go to bed and do it all over again. Not having cable or a dish is a choice we made. I do however like watching the news...if I get home from work. Otherwise, we are busy living life...and we do enjoy the internet. Do I miss not having cable or a dish....don't know if I miss it if I've never had it."

20. Faith Mayton - July 23, 2008 @ 11:44 PM

"Andy,
Thank you for all the ways you promote "good" in THIS world!
I was born in 1956 and have 4 sisters, 3 brothers. (NO, we aren't catholic) My parents did not allow us to own a TV. We were not happy about it at the time.I am so thankful our parents "knew" and were not in the least bit persuaded by our protesting!
Our big thrill was going to the public library and checking out as many books as possible. We read our own and then exchanged with each other. We all were and still are very vivid readers. (Of course, I have really loved reading your books.)I guess with that many of us children it was easier not to have a TV at all rather than Mom and Dad trying to monitor our time in front of it. Instead of watching TV, we used our imagination, we rode bikes, played lots of outdoor games, we played board games and "Authors" card games! We were engaged with life and having fun! We learned to get along with friends or not. We learned sportsmanship or not.
We had no weight problems. We were active!

My father is now 88 and lives with me. We have chosen not to watch TV. No dish or cable. We watch old family videos,Bill Gaither Homecoming music videos, Dr. Wayne Dyer,and Andy Andrews (7 Decisions). We sing and shout and sometimes cry along with the singers. We watched the late J.D. Sumner singing, "God still lives in this old house" and we all cry with that one. We don't watch or listen to the news. We create the world we want here and it includes a beautiful energy of honor, love, harmony, peace, respect,forgiveness, acceptance, honesty, consideration, and thoughts of all things "good".
We spend out time sitting on our front porch, waving to neighbors, visiting with family, friends, and neighbors, sharing fresh squeezed lemonade, watering sunflowers, praying for someone in need, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, being THANKFUL we live in America,giving Dad a foot rub or massage and holding hands. We don't feel we miss anything. Our world is not THAT world. We are so blessed to be able to choose! After all, our habits and decisions determine our life. For me and my house... We prefer NO TV.

Thank you, Andy Andrews for asking the question..."

21. Dave Lisk - July 23, 2008 @ 11:44 PM

"I watch more sports than anything else. Some of the reality shows are just after a shock factor. NBC has been going downhill for a long time."

22. Gary - July 23, 2008 @ 11:46 PM

"Let's include "Leave It To Beaver" on the list........."

23. Ann - July 24, 2008 @ 7:51 AM

"If they were giving dysfunctional couples puppies to borrow and try to raise the animal activists would be up in arms and the show would be cancelled. I can't beleive the most precious beings in our lives, our babies, can be borrowed and it's called entertainment! I'm afraid to ask the obvious question...what's next?"

24. Larry - July 24, 2008 @ 8:14 AM

"After reading all this I have to ask myself one question, "What is your point Andy"? Did you have one or did you wish to just start a discussion?"

25. Andy Andrews - July 24, 2008 @ 8:54 AM

"Okay Larry...

I tried not to be overtly obvious with the post. I wanted to add some perspective (to the "point") with a dash of fun. I intended for you to think through it a bit. (I am not preaching here...) But since you didn't get it...and since you asked...here is the point:

You really can live the life you choose.

It doesn't matter what NBC chooses to air. You can choose your own programming. Sure, societal mores, manners included, are not what they used to be...so what! You have the awesome opportunity to raise your children as you think best.

The post described my feeling and a part of my life, but as you may have gathered by now, it was not about me.

It was about you.

So there's the point...how do you want to live your life? Because you really CAN have the life you choose.

Yours,

Andy"

26. Susan - July 24, 2008 @ 10:38 AM

"I 100% agree with your response to the show "Baby Borrowers" I wonder what kind of a parent would allow their infant to be a part of this awful experiment. We know that being seperated from their primary care giver causes a lot of stress for an infant. We are all aware that the brains of teenagers stop working from 14-22. For the babies, they are not aware that this is an experiment, for them this is abandonment by their parents. I say "shame on you" to all involved."

27. Amy - July 24, 2008 @ 10:55 AM

"Great response to Larry. He should have no problem getting the "point" of this now."

28. dduncan - July 24, 2008 @ 10:59 AM

"Thanks Andy for another chapter of sanity. My wife and I can go for two or three weeks and never have the TV on. In the winter we check out the old 'classics' from the library. The Television industry has money as its bottom line...no surprise there!. Once we could get an occasional good movie on the box...at least there was The Hallmark channel. Now they have taken that away and added it to the premium cable package. If you are not into reality shows or info-commercials and marketing stations, you could chuck the whole business. Thank God for the ability to still choose your DVD and control what enters your home."

29. Glen Kaiser - July 24, 2008 @ 11:01 AM

"Andy,

I get it and do it!! Actually we've had conversations similar to this all week at work and at home. Andy Griffin is right up there at our home too.......along with EWTN (Live on Wednesdays and The World Over - much better news coverage and discussion than anything else on TV) The Food Network, RFD (yes RFD, you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy!!) Travel shows and things along these lines is what you'll generally find on our TV at home.......

We do all have a choice and we decide to choose what makes us feel good about what we watch as well as about ourselves - It also helps to choose to be happy!! Sound familiar!!??

Take care - GK"

30. Amy Baker - July 24, 2008 @ 12:01 PM

"Andy,

I am NOT normal. Had to start of with that. I found out about you from Dave Ramsey, and have been hooked since. When we started Dave's plan, we went crazy! Had a huge garage sale, and sold everything that wasn't nailed down, including our new high def tv! That's right, we don't own a tv. And it has been the best decision we've ever made. Now we sit and talk as a family, read, and play games. My three year old doesn't know any better, and my husband and I have an amazing marriage. There just isn't anything on tv that I want to watch badly enough to bring one back into the house. So don't worry, your family isn't strange. BTW, I just finished Island of Saints, which I read because of your very first blog. WOW! That's all I can say. It was awesome.

God bless,
Amy"

31. Rodger - July 24, 2008 @ 1:23 PM

"I agree to your point Andy, "Life is about choices".
With some of the TV content and Music content, it is even more improtant that we are making the "right choices".
Another great tragety is the coming of the "Wii".
Hours and hours of each day are being spent by our children playing games on the "Wii".
Instead of being outside; playing with friends, shooting hoops, playing catch and home run, the kids now days are glued to the screen playing TV games.
My grandson is a perfect example.
There has to be better choices than the "Wii"."

32. Stephanie Scheinman - July 24, 2008 @ 1:39 PM

"Andy,

Great message! This show has way over stepped it's bounds. I heard (through a friend, and not because I watch) that these teens were also asked to care for toddlers, teens, and elders as well. I am not exactly sure what they are going to learn, however, I do wish they would teach these networks compassion for humanity! This reality t.v is an insult to our intelligence! If we want to watch fiction, all we have to do is turn on CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, or FOX! Really the only truthful station is ESPN, unless of course they decide to interview baseball players, but that may be another blog!

I grew up watching classics, and they were not 1st run for me. Installing values in children never goes "out of style". Keep up the great work and keep writting:)"

33. Leslie - July 24, 2008 @ 1:42 PM

"This post really says all I've been feeling about tv for the past couple years. The reality thing makes me sick and it's a sad commentary on todays society. There are some really great shows on and it wouldn't hurt if people would learn a few new, real things once in a while. As for Andy Griffith, I was just thinking about him the other day. He is in the new Brad Paisley video "Waiting on a woman". When I see Andy (and we all feel like we can call him Andy), the best way I can describe it is he feels like home. His show always made you feel good about family, community and friends. It gives you hope that people aren't all bad. I know this sounds simple and maybe stupid to some people but that is just how it effects me, hopefully I'm not alone.
No reality entertainment for me. Life is too short to waste an hour of your life living someone else's so-called "reality"."

34. CHARLES LOVETT - July 24, 2008 @ 1:50 PM

"I agree with your views on TV watching. I really think the little good that exist is far outweighed by the bad programs now on TV. Sadly it has become the baby sitter for tired working couples.

My favorite of all time is "Gunsmoke"...dating myself aren't I...and I love The Lonesome Dove Series."

35. Alice - July 24, 2008 @ 4:39 PM

"To those of you who choose carefully what your children watch on TV: if you can find the WONDERFUL video called *A Mouse and His Child*, you will be glad you did. (I don't know if it's on DVD; it should be.)

RE Borrowed Babies: What will happen when one of the NON parents drops one of those infants, I wonder? Will the Network be sued out of existence?"

36. Foncie Bullard - July 24, 2008 @ 5:18 PM

"One of the beauties of TV is that it is a choice. It is not all bad as you have indicated. When I was a very little girl we lived in England where my father was finishing up his military career. I was 5 (my parents raised a son and daughter and then had me post-WWII so my siblings are over 23 years older than I am). I remember that on the BBC I watched two shows a week: Cheyenne (who remembers Clint Walker...oh my gosh he was my hero!) and one cartoon a week. And I was perfectly happy with that. When we finally returned to the US and TV shows were plentiful I chose to play outside and climb trees and ride horses. I recommend two books for kids these days: The Dangerous Book for Boys and The Daring Book For Girls. Check them out and you'll see why I recommend them. Also, I love the Animal Planet and recommend The Blue Planet which is all about the deepest depths of our oceans and is videographed by Mike deGruy who is from Mobile, Al!Fascinating!! Foncie"

37. Dan Holmes - July 24, 2008 @ 7:25 PM

"Andy
I could not agree with you more. The shows you listed are some of the best there has ever been. My wife and I as well as our 14 year old son and 16 year old daughter love to watch Andy Griffith. But my favorite show of all time would be the Waltons. And yes the kids love it too. We may not be the most popular parents at times. And it certainly is not easy but we do try to control what and how much they watch. Keep up the great work!

Dan"

38. Lynn Hogeland - July 24, 2008 @ 7:29 PM

"July 24, 2008

Hi Andy,

I watch very, very little TV. Not interested. The old shows were great and I could hardly wait to see Andy Griffith and All In The Family. There is nothing today that interests me enough to turn the TV on. My husband is glued to it, but then he is glued to the computer also. He can't read because of his vision so TV and computer is all he has."

39. Sophia - July 24, 2008 @ 7:35 PM

"AMEN!! I was just posting about this and then I got your post! We love the DVR and I grew up on Andy Griffith and Wild kingdom (I can do without my Dad's favorite, Hee Haw now)but we really have to control the hold it has on our kids, through peers, etc. We have implemented a summer program where the boys read to earn time to watch "educational" TV, like animal planet or food network (we have some little chefs already!)but TV land is still an occasional favorite. Thank you Andy for articulating these sentiments so well!"

40. Todd Luster - July 25, 2008 @ 1:13 PM

"Hey Andy,

I'm not of a TV watcher, but I have to agree with you 100 percent. You live your life as you choose.

When it comes to your children, you are the gatekeepers of their lives. It's up to you what you let in...

Even making no decision is a decision that has consequences.

Don't know if you've seen the news lately, but Randy Pausch died this morning.

Talk about choosing how you live your life... I'd say he gave us all a fantastic example."

41. Beatrice Furman - July 25, 2008 @ 11:25 PM

"Andy, Thanks for saying what I've felt. OFten, when I'm looking at Email, my husband is looking for something to watch. But, I'd rather read. I have "The Traveler's Gift" here at home on audio, as I'm blind. I also have other books which I'm trying to plow through both Braille and audio. I'd rather have my imagination be my own. I have to say Yay to Dan for mentioning "the Waltons". (Smile) I'll still watch that on occasion as well as "Murder She Wrote". BOth of those shows were on a television station that had a radio feed. So, rather than watch them on TV, I'd go to my room and listen to them on the radio."

42. Jody Beth in Foley, AL - July 28, 2008 @ 8:22 AM

"From 1988 to 2006 (18 years for those who don't want to do the math), I did not own a TV. I do now, because it came with the marriage! In 18 years, two things happened with TV programming: it got much worse (you all know this), and, it got much better. That is to say, there are so many more educational and inspirational options that if one chooses -- as you are saying, Andy --what to watch, TV can enrich our lives more in July of '08 than it was able to in July of '89. All that aside, MASH is my current favorite!
PS Hi Foncie!"

43. Jody Beth in Foley, AL - July 28, 2008 @ 8:28 AM

"Andy, did you know that there is a bible study series based on The Andy Griffith Show called the Mayberry Bible Study? They are not designed to be the most intense theological studies, but they are enjoyable. Jody Beth"

44. Steve Shelton - July 29, 2008 @ 9:22 AM

"Andy,

Thanks!! I am really think the blog is a great idea. I heard you at a RE/MAX event in Destin, FL last year, and have read or listened to your CD's at least three times a week. Often I will hear something and it will tie in perfectly with the principles of successful living I had heard you speak about sometime that day while I was tooling around town.

Thought you might like these four quotes I heard in a sermon this past Sunday.

Emerson: "The ancestor of every action is a thought."

H. Leo Boles: "No one will ever become nobler or purer in life and character than his thoughts."

W.S. Plummer: "Thoughts, even more than overt acts, reveal character."

John Milton: "The mind is it's own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven."

Andy, thanks again.

Steve Shelton - Florence, AL"

45. Nancy - July 29, 2008 @ 10:16 AM

"My parents threw our TV out when I was in second grade. They didn't get another one until I came home from my second year of college. I never felt like I missed anything. You could find any one of us slung over a chair or couch, reading a book or playing the piano or out busy with all the activities of school and church. The only area I've found it really affected me negatively is when someone is conversing about an old TV show (one from my growing up era) and I really don't know what they are talking about...or when it comes to Trivial Pursuit - anything TV I'm just not your girl on those! So, needless to say, it had a very POSITIVE impact on me and my siblings both. I really don't feel like I missed a thing."

46. Larry White - August 2, 2008 @ 4:24 PM

"Hi Mr. Andy,
Susie told me about the blog and I have enjoyed it immensely. Just wanted to add a couple more Andy shows to the top list....Barney's First Car is hilarious (that scene of Aunt Bea, Opie, Andy, and Gomer pushing the car home with Thelma Lou and Barney in the car is classic) and also the Opie Gets Three Wishes episode. Floyd, Barney and Goober in the back room with the candle and Barney announcing that COUNT IZ VAN TILECKIE exists is pure gold.
Adam and Austin also turned me on to Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone again and they are great too.
keep up the great work!
Larry (Wooey's bro)"

47. JH - August 15, 2008 @ 9:46 AM

"Hi Andy,
Amen to what you have stated about Reality TV. I can't stand it, not any of it. I would rather settle down to a good book (starting The Traveler's Gift today...yay!!). I met you at the Advocare Success School and I must say you impacted my life for the better. I will let you know when I am done with this wonderful masterpiece that you have shared with the world.
Best Regards,
Janet Erickson"

48. Richard Payne - September 3, 2008 @ 9:15 PM

"Andy,

You touch on a subject that has had my wife and I shaking our heads for the last couple of years. To sum it up, for us it's all about "dumbing down" in society. For a nation (and world) that thinks of itself as progressive we're going in reverse here. It's the old garbage in - garbage out syndrome. As you've alluded to over and over again we all have choices and our choice is to not watch these shows and or support their advertisers.

We gave away our upstairs tv and try not to watch anything during dinner time. We're fans of many of the shows listed here (old and new) and this theme crosses all cultural boundaries. My wife's from Brasil (yes it's spelled with an "s" there) and she's very familiar with many of these shows which she got to watch growing up as a kid in the late 50's and early 60's. I regularly see an actor from another great show - a favorite of mine growing up - Ozzie and Harriet - aka the Nelsons.

Some of the posters here have touched on one of the most important subjects lost on most kids these days - the use of their own imagination. I can relate to the examples listed above and remember my nephews and nieces growing up playing with the simplest home-made toys versus the newer "modern" ones. That concept stuck with us raising our own children until they were in their teens.

Nowadays kids are so wrapped up in Game-boys, PS2's and similar things that they can't go anywhere without them. Little if any time is left for them to read a good book or use their imagination to re-create healthy role-models and characters or to create new ones of their own desire. I hear and see many kids who hardly have any friends unless they have the latest "technological" gadgets. I've often pondered if these things were created by engineers and purchased by parents to keep their kids busy just so they don't have to spend time with them. I know that isn't always the case but think there could be a fairly large grain of truth in it.

P.S. I enjoyed listening to you again today in San Diego. Thanks again for coming out to share your wisdom with us."